Velvety Hot Chocolate

Indulge in the epitome of decadence with this sumptuous hot chocolate, specially crafted for those enchanting Christmas movie nights. Unlike your typical hot beverage, this luscious concoction is a once-a-year delight, perfectly timed for the festive cheer that Christmas eve brings.

Immerse yourself in the velvety sweetness of this rich and thick chocolate elixir, designed to be savored slowly and luxuriously. Each sip unfolds like a taste of celestial chocolate, thanks to the infusion of heavy cream and premium-quality chocolate.

Here's how to create this exquisite treat: Begin by snapping a piece from your preferred dark chocolate bar and placing it in a saucepan with heating heavy cream. For a single serving, approximately 1/3 of a standard-sized bar (around 9 pieces) and 2 cups of cream should suffice, equating to one cup of cream per person. As the chocolate gracefully melts into the cream, introduce a hint of cinnamon and incorporate a touch of vanilla paste for a delightful flavor profile. Enhance the sweetness with the subtlest pinch of salt, creating a nuanced depth to the overall taste. Adjust sugar to your preference, although with the inherent sweetness of the chocolate, additional sugar may not be necessary.

Now, clad in your coziest pajamas, pour this heavenly hot chocolate into your favorite mug and snuggle in for an evening filled with Christmas classics. If your tree is yet to be adorned, let this exquisite beverage be your companion as you adorn it with festive decorations, creating a truly magical holiday ambiance.

Christmas Coffee

While my morning routine usually revolves around a straightforward, quality cappuccino sans any sweetness, the holiday season beckons for a touch of festive flair. Enter the Maple Latte – a delightful departure from my usual, perfect for those occasional sweet-tooth cravings or as a midday indulgence. Seizing a moment while my husband tended to our little one, I crafted a simple wreath, immersing myself in Christmas tunes and savoring the exquisite combination of this smooth coffee infused with the warmth of maple. As cardamom takes center stage during this Scandinavian-inspired season, its aromatic embrace adds an extra layer of seasonal delight to the cup.

Amusingly, I stumbled upon the twigs for my impromptu wreath during a morning walk with Siena, our playful companion who happened to be nibbling on them. Recognizing their durability and flexibility, I couldn't resist gathering a few to bring home. Crafting the wreath was a breeze – a gentle bend into a circle, and the ends secured with floral wire. Foraged pine twigs and delicate white berries from the forest found their place on the wreath, effortlessly attached with more floral wire. It's truly as uncomplicated as it sounds. These petite wreaths, adorned atop gifts or adorning corners of our home, effortlessly bring a touch of nature indoors. In my opinion, wreaths stand as the epitome of Christmas decor – a touch of evergreen that is simply indispensable during the holiday season.

Maple Cardamom latte (serves 2)

• 1 1/2 cups cashew milk (or any milk of choice)

• pinch of ground cardamom

• 1 Tablespoon almond butter

• pinch of vanilla paste (or extract)

• 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup

• 2 good quality espresso

• toasted almond flakes

• pinch of cinnamon for topping

Directions

In a saucepan combine the milk, cardamom, almond butter, vanilla and maple syrup. Bring to a high simmer over medium heat. Transfer the milk to a blender and blitz until smooth and frothy. Top the milk on top of your espresso. Garnish with toasted almond flakes and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Rosemary Wreath & Fall Golden Milk

As October gracefully bids adieu, a cascade of vibrant leaves flutters down from the trees, heralding the imminent arrival of winter. Today, a gentle Friday rain outside my window serves as a prelude to Sunday's official transition to winter time. In sync with the changing seasons, I've transformed my garden, swapping out summer blooms for the warm hues of autumn and winter. Alas, this shift required bidding farewell to my towering rosemary tree, yielding an abundance of fragrant branches. I wanted to share an easy rosemary wreath tutorial and a golden milk recipe.

With a surplus of rosemary, I embarked on a creative venture — freezing some, gifting others to my parents, and fashioning a collection of charming wreaths. These botanical creations, adorned with the essence of rosemary, hold the promise of infusing my kitchen with festive aromas when brought indoors during the Christmas season.

Anticipating November's arrival, I sought to complement my autumnal ambiance with a comforting cup of golden milk. While the concept isn't novel, my twist involves a hint of black pepper and the subtle inclusion of bay leaves, imparting a delightful punch to this sweet elixir. Meanwhile, for those inspired to craft a rosemary wreath, the process is elegantly simple – winding the flexible branches around a sturdy base with floral wire, a festive DIY project detailed in my blog.

As the stores gradually unveil their Christmas embellishments, the air is ripe with the promise of festive cheer. Soon, we'll be immersed in the magic of the season, guided by the fragrance of rosemary wreaths and the warm embrace of golden milk.

Autumnal Golden milk

• 1 cup oat milk

• 1 pinch cinnamon

• 1 pinch black pepper

• 1-2 bay leaves

• A few slices of fresh ginger

• 1 pinch cardamom

• 1 pinch turmeric

• 1 teaspoon honey for sweetening (optional)

Mix all ingredients together in a small saucepan and gently heat over a stove for a good 15-20 minutes.

Creating a Rosemary Wreath: A Simple Guide

Materials Needed:

1. Thick florist wire (for the base)

2. Fresh rosemary branches

3. Floral wire (thin and flexible)

4. Scissors or wire cutters

Steps:

1. Prepare the Base:

   • Cut a length of thick florist wire to your desired size for the wreath. This will be the foundation.

2. Secure the First Rosemary Branch:

   • Take a long rosemary branch and align it with the base wire.

   • Use floral wire to tightly secure one end of the rosemary branch to the base wire. Make sure it's snug.

3. Wrap and Seal:

   • Start wrapping the rosemary branch around the base wire, creating a coil.

   • As you reach the end of the first branch, use floral wire to secure the other end to the base wire. This seals the first loop.

4. Repeat the Process:

   • Take another rosemary branch and repeat the wrapping process.

   • Secure both ends with floral wire to the base wire.

5. Continue Building:

   • Keep adding rosemary branches, wrapping and securing them with floral wire until the entire base wire is covered.

   • Ensure each new branch overlaps the previous one, creating a lush and full wreath.

6. Finishing Touch:

   • Once you've covered the entire base, use scissors or wire cutters to trim any excess wire and tidy up loose ends.

7. Secure the Last Branch:

   • Ensure the last rosemary branch is tightly secured to the base wire to complete the wreath.

8. Hang and Enjoy:

   • Your rosemary wreath is ready! Hang it on your door, wall, or anywhere you desire. The fragrance of rosemary will add a delightful touch to your space.

Remember, rosemary is flexible, so feel free to bend and adjust the branches as needed during the process. Enjoy your charming and aromatic DIY rosemary wreath!

Easy Winter Tea

Indulging in a heartwarming cup of homemade berry tea is like wrapping oneself in a cozy embrace, especially delightful when nestled under a blanket and immersed in the enchantment of Christmas movies. The infusion of flavors in this tea is a delightful symphony; the rich essence of black currant intertwines with a hint of citrus and a touch of honey, resulting in a delightful winter blend that warms both body and soul.

Crafting this comforting elixir is a simple yet rewarding process – just combine the ingredients in a pot, pour in boiling water, and let the magic unfold as it infuses with comforting aromas. Homemade tea, a canvas for experimentation, invites you to personalize the experience with your favorite flavors. Whether it's the tangy allure of raspberries, the sweetness of blueberries, or the vibrant burst of red currants, you have the freedom to tailor it to your taste. Elevate the infusion with the aromatic notes of mint or thyme, and perhaps add a touch of seasonal spices for that extra festive flair. This blend is not just a beverage; it's a celebration of simplicity and joy, perfectly capturing the spirit of the festive season.

Ingredients

(no need to measure anything, add according to your desires)

• Orange slices

• Lemon Slices

• Black currant berries

• honey

• rosemary twigs

• black tea

• Hot Water

For a Christmas twist add a cinnamon stick, cloves and ginger or any other festive spices to your liking.